Sisters who lost livelihood set up online food business amid pandemic

Two sisters set up an online food business to bounce back after losing their respective livelihoods amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Tina Panganiban-Perez' report on "24 Oras," Jaquilyn Manalo used to earn P40,000 a month from her stall in Divisoria. Her sales reach up to P200,000 in peak seasons, such as the start of the school year or the Christmas holidays.

She also started a catering business after cooking for her sister's wedding, but her events were quickly canceled when the country was put into lockdown.

"Hindi ko na alam paano, kung saan ulit mag-uumpisa. Hindi po talaga kung saan kukuha nitong biglang bagsak," Jaquilyn said.

When the community quarantine was imposed, she was stuck in Pampanga with little choice but to rely on government aid and her savings to support her child.

Meanwhile, her younger sister, Janice Ferreras, was laid off from her job.

When Jaquilyn finally made it back to Manila and reunited with her sister, she found the strength to restart her food business.

"Nakita ko 'yung passion niya talaga sa pagluluto," Janice said about Jaquilyn. "Sobrang puso na binibigay mo sa pagluluto mo, mabubunga 'yan ng maganda in the near future."

Their business took off when Jaquilyn cooked one day and Janice posted it online.

In just 10 days, they were able to earn P40,000 and even helped the drivers in their neighborhood by tapping them as delivery service.

"Kung ano 'yung pangarap niya at ano 'yung pangarap ko, sabay namin kumbaga tutuparin lahat nang 'yun basta mananalig lang kami, magdarasal lang kami palagi," Janice said. —MGP, GMA News